Alarm Grid Video Recap: March 15th - 22nd

Hi DIYers! Our video team was super productive over the past week, as they put up nine new videos for us all to enjoy. Jorge, Jarrett and Joe are all back and ready to help you get the most out of your system. Let's take a look at the latest content from the Alarm Grid video team.

Jarrett teaches users how to add additional codes to the IQ Panel 2. User codes can be assigned as a "Master", "User" or "Guest. A Master User can change system settings in addition to arming and disarming. Despite the name difference, there is actually no difference between "User" codes and "Guest" codes, as they have the same authority level. Any new system code that is added will be available on Alarm.com for further control and configuration.

Jarret demonstrates how to disable the Chime function for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Normally if a zone has Chime enabled, then the panel will produce a brief Chime tone when the associated sensor is activated. However, you can disable Chimes for the entire system so that no faulted zones result in a Chime. You can also configure the Chime settings individually for each zone so that some sensors result in a chime, while others do not.

Jorge explains how users can mute the voice annunciation function for the Honeywell 5828V Keypad. By muting the keypad, no voice annunciations will be produced when zones are faulted. It will also not announce any changes in the current Arming state. However, this will not affect voice annunciation for the panel itself if it has the feature enabled. Additionally, muting the keypad will not stop the device from producing tones when buttons are pressed. It only affects spoken voice.

Jorge demonstrates how users can adjust the volume on a Honeywell 5828. This will affect the tones produced when keypad buttons are pressed. Unlike the the Honeywell 5828V, the standard Honeywell 5828 is relatively basic it terms of volume control. The volume can only be adjusted one level at a time, and it cannot be muted entirely. The keypad can be used with any LYNX Touch Panel and any Honeywell VISTA Panel that has an added wireless transceiver.

Jarrett covers the process for updating the system firmware on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Performing a firmware update is often necessary for unlocking newly released system functions and capabilities. The IQ Panel 2 System will need to be connected with a local WIFI network and be running on transformer power for the update to go through. It also cannot have a low-battery condition. You can search the network for an update or apply a Patch Tag.

Jorge teaches users the basics of how to use an alarm system keypad. The main purpose of a keypad is to provide an on-site access point for controlling an alarm system. This includes Arming and Disarming. A keypad can be either a primary controller or a secondary access point depending on the system. A primary controller is used performing deep-level programming changes. If you use a keypad as a primary controller, you should make sure it is an Alphanumeric Keypad. A Fixed-English keypad cannot be used for deep-level programming.

Joe shows users how to install the Qolsys IQ Card-IS inside the IQ Panel 2 System. The IQ Card-IS module allows you to use Qolsys Image Sensors with the system. These devices use PIR technology to detect motion. If motion is detected, the image sensor will take a photo and send it to Alarm.com. Since the IQ Card-IS uses the same antenna as the PowerG daughtercard used with the IQ Panel 2 Plus, it is only recommended to be used with the standard version of the system.

Joe explains the different methods for resetting a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad. There are four reset options that can be performed. A Keypad Reboot Reset will simply power cycle the device. A Keypad Factory Reset will restore all settings and configurations to default, without clearing Z-Wave devices. But the Z-Wave devices will have their names reset. A Z-Wave Reboot Reset will power cycle the Z-Wave controller, without clearing devices. A Z-Wave Factory Reset will default all Z-Wave setting and clear all Z-Wave devices.